If you are looking for a delicious and versatile almond paste that can be used for decorating cakes, making candies, or eating on its own, you will love this recipe for Mary Berry marzipan. Mary Berry is a famous British baker and cookbook author who is known for her simple and delicious recipes. Her marzipan recipe is easy, quick, and effective.
It produces a smooth and pliable dough that can be shaped, rolled, or cut into any form you like. You can also customize the flavor and color of your marzipan by adding different extracts, spices, or food coloring.
In this blog post, I will show you how to make Mary Berry marzipan using a food processor and a few ingredients.
You will be amazed by how easy and fun it is to make your own marzipan at home.
What is Mary Berry Marzipan?
Mary Berry marzipan is a homemade almond paste that is made with ground almonds, sugar, honey, water, and almond extract. It is a recipe by Mary Berry, a famous British baker and cookbook author who is known for her simple and delicious recipes. Marzipan is a traditional ingredient in European baking, especially around Christmas and Easter. It can be used to decorate cakes, make candies, or eat as a snack.
Why You Love this Recipe
- Simplicity at Its Best: With just a handful of ingredients and a food processor, you’re all set to whip up this delightful treat.
- Speedy Preparation: No more waiting for hours! This marzipan comes together in a jiffy, making it perfect for last-minute treats.
- Tailor-Made Flavors: Experiment with your taste buds by adding various extracts, spices, or even food coloring to create your signature marzipan.
- Mold it Your Way: Unleash your creativity! Roll, shape, or mold the marzipan as you desire, using hands or crafting tools.
- Versatile & Adaptable: Be it garnishing a sophisticated cake, indulging in chocolate-dipped marzipan, or simply relishing a slice of pure almond paste, this recipe caters to all.
- Perfect for Every Occasion: Whether hosting a soirée or simply indulging solo, this marzipan recipe fits every mood and festivity.
What are the Ingredients for Mary Berry Marzipan
To make Mary Berry’s marzipan recipe, you will need the following ingredients:
- 150g of caster sugar
- 150g of ground almonds
- 50ml of honey
- 20ml of water
- 1 teaspoon of pure almond extract
You can also use icing sugar instead of caster sugar if you prefer a finer texture. You can also substitute the honey with golden syrup or corn syrup if you like.
Equipment
To make Mary Berry’s marzipan recipe, you will need the following equipment:
- A food processor
- A saucepan
- A wooden spoon
- A knife
- A rolling pin
- A baking sheet
- Cling film or plastic wrap
Instructions to Make Mary Berry Marzipan
Follow these instructions to make Mary Berry’s marzipan recipe:
- Grind the almonds. Place the ground almonds in the food processor and pulse until they are finely ground. You can also use blanched almonds and grind them yourself if you want a fresher flavor.
- Make the syrup. In a saucepan over medium-high heat, combine the caster sugar, honey, and water. Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring occasionally, until the sugar dissolves and the syrup is clear.
- Mix the marzipan. Transfer the syrup to the food processor and add the almond extract. Blend with the ground almonds until a smooth and sticky dough forms. If the dough is too dry, add a little more water. If it is too wet, add a little more ground almonds.
- Shape the marzipan. Turn the dough onto a surface dusted with icing sugar and knead it briefly with your hands until it is smooth and pliable. You can then shape it into a log or a ball and wrap it in cling film or plastic wrap. Refrigerate the marzipan until it is firm enough to handle, about an hour.
- Use the marzipan. You can now use your homemade marzipan for any purpose you like. You can roll it out with a rolling pin and cut out shapes with a knife or cookie cutters. You can also mold it into figures or flowers with your hands or tools. You can also coat it with chocolate or dip it in melted chocolate for a decadent treat.
What to Serve With Mary Berry Marzipan
You can serve Mary Berry marzipan with many different things, depending on your preference and mood. Here are some suggestions:
- Fresh Fruit Delight: Enhance its natural sweetness by pairing it with fresh fruits like strawberries, raspberries, or cherries. A refreshing twist to your dessert!
- Chocolate Indulgence: Dip or drape in melted chocolate or simply enjoy with chocolate bars for a luxurious treat that’s hard to resist.
- Brewed Bliss: Accompany it with a cup of aromatic coffee or calming tea, making it the perfect mate for your break-time.
- Cheese Contrast: Blend the sweetness of marzipan with the rich flavors of cheeses like brie or camembert, creating a palate of savory sophistication.
- Simple Satisfactions: Serve it alongside crackers or freshly baked bread, and relish a delightful and hearty snack.
Pro Tips to Make Perfect Mary Berry Marzipan
To make perfect Mary Berry marzipan, follow these pro tips:
- Use good quality ground almonds that are fresh and finely ground. You can also use blanched almonds and grind them yourself for a fresher flavor.
- Use pure almond extract that has a strong and natural almond flavor. Avoid artificial or imitation almond extract that may have a bitter or chemical taste.
- Use a food processor that has a powerful motor and sharp blades. This will help you blend the ingredients smoothly and quickly.
- Use a saucepan that has a thick bottom and a non-stick coating. This will prevent the sugar from burning or sticking to the pan.
- Use a wooden spoon that has a long handle and a sturdy grip. This will help you stir the syrup safely and easily.
- Use icing sugar to dust your surface and a rolling pin when shaping the marzipan. This will prevent the marzipan from sticking or tearing.
How do I store Marzipan Leftovers?
You can store marzipan leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks or in the freezer for up to three months. Make sure to wrap the marzipan well with cling film or plastic wrap before storing it. This will prevent the marzipan from drying out or absorbing odors from other foods.
How do I reheat Marzipan Leftovers?
You can reheat marzipan leftovers in the microwave or in the oven.
Here are the steps:
- Microwave: Cut the marzipan into small pieces and place them in a microwave-safe bowl. Cover the bowl with a damp paper towel and microwave on high for 10 seconds. Check the consistency of the marzipan and microwave for another 10 seconds if needed. Be careful not to overheat the marzipan as it may melt or burn.
- Oven: Preheat the oven to 180°C (160°C fan) / 350°F / Gas 4. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and place the marzipan on it. Bake for 5 minutes or until the marzipan is soft and pliable. Be careful not to overbake the marzipan as it may dry out or crack.
Other Mary Berry Recipes
- Mary Berry Apricot Crumble Tart
- Mary Berry Rhubarb Crumble with Oats
- Pear Cake Mary Berry
- Mary Berry Lemon Courgette Cake
- Mary Berry Vegetarian Lasagne
- Coronation Chicken Mary Berry
- Delia Smith Marzipan
FAQs
Is marzipan gluten-free?
Yes, marzipan is gluten-free as it is made from almonds, sugar, and water. However, some store-bought marzipan may contain traces of gluten from cross-contamination or added ingredients. If you have a gluten intolerance or allergy, it is best to make your own marzipan at home or check the label carefully before buying.
How is marzipan different from fondant?
Marzipan and fondant are both used for decorating cakes and making candies, but they have different ingredients and textures. Marzipan is made from almonds, sugar, and water, and has a nutty and sweet flavor. Fondant is made from sugar, water, and gelatin, and has a smooth and pliable texture. Marzipan is usually used as a thin layer under the fondant or as a filling or topping for cakes. Fondant is usually used as a thick layer over the cake or as a base for modeling figures or flowers.
How long does homemade marzipan last?
Homemade marzipan can last for up to two weeks in the refrigerator or up to three months in the freezer. To store homemade marzipan, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. To prevent the marzipan from drying out or absorbing odors from other foods, you can also dust it with some powdered sugar or coat it with some melted chocolate.
Related: Hairy Bikers Sausage Casserole
Final Words
I hope you enjoyed this blog post on how to make Mary Berry’s marzipan recipe. Marzipan is a delicious and versatile almond paste that you can use for many purposes. It is also easy to make at home with just a few ingredients and a food processor. You can customize the flavor and color of your marzipan by adding different extracts, spices, or food coloring.
You can also shape it into any form you like by rolling it out or molding it with your hands or tools.
If you have any questions or comments about this recipe, please leave them below. I would love to hear from you and see your creations.
Happy baking!